I can’t believe Joy is 4 Months old! It has been quite the journey already with 5 plane rides, a trip to the southernmost point of the US, and a very scary reflux problem.
Along the way, Joy and I have developed a bit of a routine and some product preferences. I compiled this list in case you are due with your own baby soon or are headed to a baby shower of a close friend. Majority of the items on the list we had to purchase ourselves as we didn’t receive them at the baby shower. They made our lives much easier!
One. Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottles
This is the ONLY bottle Joy would drink out of if the boob wasn’t available. I have a cabinet full of bottles that didn’t pass the test. This bottle is made of a soft silicone that nicely resembles a breast. If your babe wasn’t all that thrilled with Avent, Tommee Tippee, or Dr. Browns, this is the bottle for you!
Comotomo on Amazon
Two. aden + anis Classic Burpy Bib
It’s a bib and a large burp cloth. As I mentioned earlier, Joy has a bit of a reflux problem meaning everything comes back up. These bib/ burp cloth combos were the only ones to take care of the job. They have a little clip on the back that allows you to snap them around the babe’s neck or you can leave it open and drape it across your shoulder or chest.
Aden+ Anis at Nordstrom
Three. HoMedics myBaby soundSpa On-the-Go
This was a lifesaver in those first few months. It plays a couple lullabyes, nature noise, and ocean waves. All we had to do was turn that on and she would calm down in an instant. For the price, you should at least give it a shot! We picked it up right next to the counter at Buy Buy Baby.
HoMedics sound Spa at Buy Buy Baby
Four. Boppy Nursing Pillow
I actually didn’t really use the Boppy for nursing but rather to prop Joy up when we were playing on the floor once she turned around 3 months. It’s soft but firm enough to support her without sliding away. We were also gifted the beautiful personalized cover from a friend. (Pottery Barn Kids)
Boppy at Amazon
Five. Wubbanub
Silly name for a brilliant invention. It’s a soothie pacifier with adorable animals attached to it. It’s the only one Joy would keep in her mouth for more than five minutes at a time. Now, she is able to hold the pacifier and likes to tug on the animal’s legs.
http://www.wubbanub.com
Six. Fisher Price Newborn Rock n’ Play
Instead of a bassinet, Joy slept and napped in this device for the first 3 ½ months of her life. It sat right next to our bed where we could easily check on her. It rocks and plays music even though we preferred the tunes of The soundSpa (See above). I know some websites might not recommend it, but it worked for us!
Fisher Price Newborn Rock n’ Play at Amazon
Seven. Infantino Ring-A-Links
These were a very inexpensive way to entertain joy for a very long time! Early on, if you put them in her hand she was able to grasp them. She loves all the colors and textures and now tries to reach for them as we practice rolling over. I don’t leave the house without throwing a few in the baby bag.
Infantino Ring- A- Links at Toys R Us
Eight. Uppa Baby Vista + Mesa Car seat
I get asked about my stroller all the time and I can honestly say it is one of the best baby purchases we made. The stroller has a very sleek design and large basket (great for grocery shopping). The car seat is incredibly safe and clicks right into the stroller frame as opposed to on top of a stroller seat. For a bonus, it comes with a bassinet perfect for evening walks. We made the investment with intentions of using it for years to come and hopefully with future children as it can eventually accommodate up to three in some form or fashion.
Uppa Baby at Nordstrom
Nine. Moving Comfort Women’s Fiona Sports Bra
After getting pregnant and having Joy, I was convinced I would never be able to run again because my chest had grown so large. Well eventually, thing shrunk down a little bit but I still needed some major support if I wanted to get moving. I found this amazing Moving Comfort Sports Bra at Dick’s Sporting Goods. It was deemed appropriate for high impact activities and came in large cup sizes (DD+) This bra was a life safer and restored a little of my self confidence. I’m no longer worried about the bounce or if people are staring at me run down the street because this bra is AMAZING. Added bonus: it had adjustable straps on the front. With a quick pull of velcro, I can be nursing Joy.
Moving Comfort at Zappos
Ten. Babyganics Multi surface Cleaner
Babies make more messes than I could have ever imagined. Spit up, slobber, pee, and the good old blowout. Everytime Joy does her business it’s a blowout and usually in a public place. She has made a terrible mess in her carseat in the airport and in the mall. This spray has come to the rescue both times. I saturated the seat with this gentle cleaner and it looks BRAND new. I spray clothes that get soiled and this has been the only thing I can find that truly gets the stains out. Run to the nearest store and pick you up a couple bottles; you will use it.
Babyganics at Bed Bath and Beyond
Eleven. La Croix
Breastfeeding makes you thirsty and flat water gets boring. I love that this drink is tasty but is helping the baby weight fall right off. No calories!
Can be found at Target.
Twelve. Solly Baby Wrap
I found this brand on Instagram and I am so glad I did. Babywearing has really worked for us. With Jeff working more now, he’s not always there to entertain her as I get things done around the house. WIth this fabric wrap, I can put her in it and finish all the chores. It comes in tons of beautiful patterns so pick one that’s your style and get stuff done.
http://sollybaby.com
I wasn’t compensated for my opinion at all, I just really want to help the next new mother as you already have so much to worry about.
If you have any other questions PLEASE ask. I probably annoyed all my friends with inquiries but it really helped me feel a bit more prepared for when she got here.
Love,
Marissa+Joy
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